Kirk consults on Gaelic Plan

The presenter and broadcaster Cathy Macdonald joined Rev Dr Angus Morrison in hosting the first conference the Kirk has held to promote the Gaelic language.

Published:10:49Tuesday 23 January 2018

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A comprehensive survey on the use of Gaelic within the Church of Scotland is being launched.

The Kirk’s Gaelic Group is laying the groundwork for a new plan that will look at how the language is currently being used in ministry.

The audit will help determine how Gaelic-led ministry could be supported in future.

It will include a questionnaire for ministers, including student ministers, probationers and ordained local ministers, that is designed to build a complete picture of Gaelic ministry within the church today.

Ministers who do not speak Gaelic and have no Gaelic parishioners are also urged to contribute and share their thoughts, to ensure the fullest possible picture.

A second part of the audit will identify where there is further potential for Gaelic-led ministry in the future.

The audit will help bring together a Gaelic Plan for the whole church.

Very Rev Dr Angus Morrison, chairman of the Gaelic Group said there are areas across Scotland where Gaelic-led ministry is flourishing.

He added that there is an interest in Gaelic in some places but no Gaelic-speaking ministers— or vice-versa.

Dr Morrison, a former Moderator of the General Assembly, said: “We hope that every minister will complete the questionnaire so that we can have the best possible foundation for an informed Gaelic Plan for the Church.

“In the past we have seen successful projects demonstrate the potential for nurturing Christian faith through Gaelic worship and witness.

“Now we want to move ahead with creating a Gaelic Plan that will support Gaelic-speaking believers and Gaelic-led ministry for many years to come.”

Steven MacIver, who has been involved in Gaelic development for the last 10 years, will be carrying out the audit during a three-month collaboration with the Church.